Eating Disorder Healing is Hard -Getting Treatment Shouldn’t Be
Eating disorders often defy the narrow portrayals seen in the media. They are not merely defined by weight or appearance, but by the complex thoughts and behaviors that shape our relationship with food, our bodies, and our self-worth. For many, the journey to seek help and find answers can feel overwhelming. Factors such as the high cost of treatment, inadequate insurance coverage, and societal stigma can create significant barriers to accessing the necessary support.
This is where nonprofits like Project HEAL play a crucial role. They work tirelessly to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that recovery is within reach for everyone. Through their Treatment Access Program, Project HEAL connects individuals to pro bono or low-cost care via a national network of clinicians. They also provide free resources, including tools to identify the signs of eating disorders, advice for reaching out to loved ones, and guidance for navigating the healthcare system.
“In the United States alone, there are 30 million Americans suffering from an eating disorder, and this number only includes those who have received a formal diagnosis. Alarmingly, less than 20% of individuals with eating disorders ever receive treatment. The remaining 24 million face insurmountable financial and insurance barriers, coupled with systemic oppression and bias. The consequences are dire: eating disorders are the second most fatal mental illness, with one person dying every 52 minutes as a direct result,” – TheProjectHEAL.org.
Project HEAL’s Vision:
Project HEAL envisions a world where everyone struggling with an eating disorder has the opportunities and resources necessary to heal. Their programs, including Body Reborn, Clinical Assessment, Treatment Placement, Identity Affirming Scholarships, Cash Assistance, Insurance Navigation, and Meal Support, are designed to address the systemic, healthcare, and financial obstacles that millions of individuals in the U.S. encounter on their path to recovery.
“We believe that no one’s income, insurance, or background should dictate their ability to heal from an eating disorder,” says Project HEAL CEO Akiera Gilbert. “Our mission is to make healing accessible for all by providing diverse recovery options, including community care and clinical treatment.”
By addressing these critical areas, Project HEAL is committed to making recovery accessible to everyone, helping individuals on their journey to reinvention and healing.
If you think you might have an eating disorder but don’t know where to start, Project HEAL offers a safe place to begin. Visit TheProjectHEAL.org to explore their resources and take your first step toward recovery.
Crisis Textline: Text HEALING to 741741